Pectinase

Description

Name:Pectinase

Synonyms: Polygalacturonase

CAS Registry Number: 9032-75-1

EINECS: 232-885-6

Pectinase is a general term for enzymes that break down pectin, a polysaccharide substrate that is found in the cell walls of plants. One of the most studied and widely used commercial pectinases is polygalacturonase. It is useful because pectin is the jelly-like matrix which helps cement plant cells together and in which other cell wall components, such as cellulose fibrils, are embedded. Therefore pectinase enzymes are commonly used in processes involving the degradation of plant materials, such as speeding up the extraction of fruit juice from fruit, including apples and sapota. Pectinases have also been used in wine production since the 1960s. They can be extracted from fungi such as Aspergillus niger. The fungus produces these enzymes to break down the middle lamella in plants so that it can extract nutrients from the plant tissues and insert fungal hyphae. If pectinase is boiled it is denatured (distorted) making it harder to connect with the pectin at the active site, and produce as much juice.Pectinases are also used for retting. Addition of chelating agents or pretreatment of the plant material with acid enhance the effect of the enzyme.

Shelf life:If stored at 4-10°C in its original sealed container,it will retain its full activity for a period of up to 6months.If stored in regular room temperature,this product will retain its full activity for a period of up to 3months.